Bridging Agriculture and Ecology: Toward Sustainable Land-Use Systems in Semi-Arid Regions

Abstract

Agricultural systems and ecological processes are deeply interconnected, yet conventional farming practices have historically prioritized productivity at the expense of ecosystem integrity. This article explores the conceptual and practical convergence of agriculture and ecology, with a focus on semi-arid land-use contexts. Drawing on current literature and theoretical frameworks, we argue that agroecological principles offer a viable pathway to reconcile food production demands with environmental sustainability. Key themes include soil biodiversity, water-use efficiency, habitat fragmentation, and the role of indigenous land knowledge in shaping resilient farming systems. We further contend that policy frameworks must evolve to support landscape-level thinking rather than field-scale optimization alone. The discussion highlights three critical domains: soil ecology management, integrated pest and biodiversity strategies, and water-smart cropping systems. Collectively, these dimensions point toward an urgent need for transdisciplinary cooperation in redesigning agricultural landscapes that nurture, rather than deplete, ecological capital.